Thyroid Surgery

Thyroid surgery is used to treat people with thyroid problems such as thyroid cancer, thyroid nodules and hyperthyroidism. The thyroid gland is the butterfly-shaped gland that can be seen on the neck. The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones responsible for metabolism in the body. Once a person is diagnosed of thyroid cancer, thyroid nodules or hyperthyroidism, common treatment would be thyroid surgery especially if the disease is already severe. During the surgery, an incision is made in the skin. To expose the gland, the muscles and tissues are pulled aside. Below are other reasons why an individual undergo thyroid surgery:

A fluid filled nodule reoccurs after being drained once or twice.

Hyperthyroidism cannot be treated with radioactive iodine and other medicines.

A thyroid cancer is suspected or benign(noncancerous).

A noncancerous or benign nodule is large enough to cause problems with swallowing or breathing.

There are types of thyroid surgery that is used to treat thyroid problems. One is total thyroidectomy which is a surgical process that removes the entire thyroid gland and the lymph nodes surrounding the thyroid gland. There is also thyroid lobectomy with or without isthmectomy. Lobectomy means removing only one lobe. In instances that the thyroid nodules are only found in one lobe, surgeons will only remove one lobe thus a patient will undergo lobectomy with isthmectomy. However in instances that thyroid nodules are found in two lobes, lobectomy with isthmectomy is done. Lobectomy with isthmectomy is the process where in the narrow band of tissues that connect the two lobes are removed. There is also a thyroid surgery that is called subtotal thyroidectomy. This is a surgical process that removes one complete lobe; the isthmus and the part of the other lobe. Lastly, there’s endoscopic thyroidectomy. This surgical process involves removal of the small cysts or single small nodules that are benign or non cancerous or removal of the entire thyroid gland.

After Thyroid Surgery

After the thyroid surgery, many people leave the hospital after a few days. The days spent being the hospital, the treatments and recovery all depends on an individual’s age, general health, extent of the surgery and if whether cancer is present. Most doctors also recommend bed rest on the first day after the thyroid surgery. Doctors will also suggest to start moving thereafter. If patient is still hospitalized, intravenous nutrition is preferred as swallowing and eating may be difficult. If at home, liquid or soft diets are highly recommended until swallowing and chewing becomes comfortable.

Interesting Questions about Thyroid:

What is Graves’ Eye Disease?

The eye changes associated with Graves’ disease can be called either Graves’ ophthalmopathy, Graves’ orbitopathy, or Graves’ eye disease. Approximately 50% of the patients with Graves’ disease develop some eye disease, but the eye changes may be so subtle that patients are unaware of them. For most patients with Graves’ disease, eye involvement is minimal. Severe orbitopathy occurs in less than 5% of patients with Graves’ disease.

Graves’ eye disease is not caused by thyroid dysfunction. Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disease that affects the eyes and the thyroid gland independently of each other. Thus, the hyperthyroidism may improve with therapy, while the eye disease stays the same or gets worse. Even though the thyroid disease and the eye disease run independent courses, it is important to treat the hyperthyroidism associated with Graves’ disease.

An ophthalmologist is usually involved in the treatment of Graves’ eye disease. Most thyroidologists and endocrinologists should be able to recommend an ophthalmologist experienced in the treatment of Graves’ eye disease. In addition, The Thyroid Society maintains a list of such ophthalmologists throughout the country.

Symptoms of Graves’ eye disease may include a feeling of irritation or sand in the eyes, double vision (diplopia), and excessive tearing. Inflammation and swelling behind the eye may cause actual protrusion of the eyeball from the orbit. When this protrusion occurs, it is called exophthalmos or proptosis.

When the eye changes are severe, there may be marked swelling of the eye, inability to move an eye, corneal ulceration, and in extreme cases, loss of vision. Fortunately, these severe changes occur infrequently, but when they do occur, consultation with an ophthalmologist is essential. Graves’ eye disease usually affects both eyes, although each eye may be affected to a different degree. In some cases, only one eye is affected.

The course of Graves’ eye disease is unpredictable. The initial, or active, phase of Graves’ eye disease may last for eighteen to twenty-four months. During this time period, the eye signs and symptoms may change considerably. For this reason, physicians are reluctant to use certain treatments, such as surgery, during this phase, fearing that ongoing inflammation will cause the eyes to change again after surgery. Thus, most physicians advise patients to defer treatments such as surgery until the eye disease goes into an inactive phase. Of course, if a patient’s symptoms are severe or if loss of vision is threatened, then all available treatments will be used at any time, even during the active phase.

Most patients will receive only symptomatic treatment during the active phase of Graves’ eye disease (see list below). Most importantly, it should be stressed that smoking aggravates Graves’ eye disease.

Physicians may advise the following to relieve symptoms associated with Graves’ eye disease:

discontinue smoking

avoid smoke-filled rooms

use lubricating eye drops

cover eyes while sleeping

wear wrap-around dark glasses outdoors during the day

elevate the head of the bed to reduce overnight eye swelling

wear prism glasses, or cover one eye with a patch, to relieve double vision

turn ceiling fans off before going to bed

avoid exposure to strong sunlight

avoid or limit wearing contact lenses

take diuretics temporarily to relieve swelling around the eyes

When symptoms of inflammation are severe, either steroids in large doses or radiation therapy may be advised. Surgery (orbital decompression) is sometimes recommended when the inflammation is so severe that loss of vision is threatened. The choice of therapy among steroids, radiation, and surgery (used individually or in combination) and the timing of therapy require a great deal of thought on the part of the team caring for the patient with Graves’ eye disease.

Once the inflammation in the eyes has stabilized, or entered the inactive phase, patients may then have surgery to relieve signs and symptoms, such as lid retraction, swelling around the eyes, or double vision. Ophthalmologists specializing in plastic surgery of the eye perform the surgery to relieve lid retraction and swelling around the eyes. Sometimes other ophthalmologists who specialize in diseases of the muscles of the eye perform the operation(s) to relieve double vision.

Medical and Surgical Treatment Options for Graves’ Eye Disease

steroids

radiation therapy

surgical adjustment of eyelid placement

plastic surgery for swelling around the eye(s)

eye muscle surgery for realignment of the eye(s)

orbital decompression

What is the Thyroid?

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland just below the Adam’s apple. This gland plays a very important role in controlling the body’s metabolism, that is, how the body functions. It does this by producing thyroid hormones (T4 and T3), chemicals that travel through the blood to every part of the body. Thyroid hormones tell the body how fast to work and use energy.

The thyroid gland works like an air conditioner. If there are enough thyroid hormones in the blood, the gland stops making the hormones (just as an air conditioner cycles off when there is enough cool air in a house). When the body needs more thyroid hormones, the gland starts producing again.

About 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease. Many are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. No age, economic group, race, or sex is immune to thyroid disease.

The thyroid gland might produce too much hormone (hyperthyroidism), making the body use energy faster than it should, or too little hormone (hypothyroidism), making the body use energy slower than it should. The gland may also become inflamed (thyroiditis) or enlarged (goiter), or develop one or more lumps (nodules).

One out of five women over the age of 75 has Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, the most common cause of hypothyroidism.

Fact:

Thyroid dysfunction complicates 5%-9% of all pregnancies.

Fact:

About 15,000 new cases of thyroid cancer are reported each year.

Fact:

One out of every 4,000 infants is born without a working thyroid gland.

What is Hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism makes the body speed up. It occurs when there is too much thyroid hormone in the blood (“hyper” means “too much”). Nearly 10 times more frequent in women, it affects about 2% of all women in the United States.

The most common cause of hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease, is caused by problems with the immune system and tends to run in families. It affects at least 2.5 million Americans, including Olympic athlete Gail Devers who won a gold medal in track after being diagnosed with and treated for Graves’ disease.

Symptoms include:

fast heart rate

nervousness

increased perspiration

muscle weakness

trembling hands

weight loss

hair loss

skin changes

increased frequency of bowel movements

decreased menstrual flow and less frequent menstrual flow

goiter

eyes that seem to be popping out of their sockets.

The symptoms of hyperthyroidism rarely occur all at once. However, if you have more than one of these symptoms, and they continue for some time, you should see your doctor.

Thyroid Surgery Recovery

Just like any other operation, the body needs time to recover. The wound needs time to heal also. One must not lift heavy objects for about two weeks after the operation to avoid any strain on the neck wound. Most people are able to return two work two weeks after surgery. This will also depend on how strenuous one’s job is. Thyroid surgery recovery also depends on an individual’s age, general health and extent of the surgery.

Thyroid Surgery Complications

A thyroid surgery is generally a safe surgery. But just like any other surgeries, there is also a risk of complications. These complications include hoarseness and change of voice. The thyroid surgery can damage the nerves that control the voice. This can be prevented though if the surgeon is experienced or if the patient is undergoing lobectomy rather than total thyroidectomy. Another thyroid surgery complication can be hypoparathyroidism. This may occur if the parathyroid glands are accidentally removed during total thyroidectomy. A patient may not face this complication if thyroid surgery is just lobectomy. There are also other thyroid surgery complications that an individual may face, such as the need for calcium replacement if the parathyroid gland had been removed and thyroid hormone replacement if the thyroid gland had been completely removed. One may also get an infection in the wound.

Thyromine is a health supplement that helps provide nutrition to the thyroid gland to help it function healthily. Thyromine can help treat both under and over active thyroid problems.

Thyromine was originally created because researchers found that the thyroid gland often had issues that it could reverse on its own if it were getting the proper nutrition it needed. The nutrition that thyroid glands need is amino acids, iodine and vitamins and minerals found in vegetables. Thyromine is a complete supplement that provides all the nutrients the thyroid gland needs.

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Your Thyroid – Where Is It And What Does It Do?

The thyroid is a small butterfly shaped gland located in the base of your throat, below your voice box. Thyroid tissue is secretes 2 hormones that regulate metabolism. These hormones are thyroid thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Most people assume that metabolism is about the gastrointestinal tract and yes, it is. But it’s also about cellular metabolism. This is how your cells get fuel to produce the energy needed for cellular functions.

Thyroid hormones play an integral regulatory role in this process. Every cell in your body has thyroid hormone (TH) receptors. This means they ALL need TH at some point to function.

Abnormal Thyroid Hormone Production

Most of the hormone produced by the thyroid is T4 (around 80%) and the rest is T3. The body can’t use T4 so it’s converted to the more metabolically active T3 elsewhere in the body. T3 is then used to regulate a myriad of metabolic processes at cellular level.

When you have low thyroxine levels (T4) it means you’ll also have low levels of T3. This type of thyroid imbalance causes serious health problems. For a start, it means processes like insulin mediated glucose uptake are impaired. Glucose is your body’s primary source of cellular fuel. If your cells can’t get enough glucose to generate energy, they can’t function correctly. That in turn means you won’t function very well!

The Many Different Thyroid Problems

The power factories in cells (mitochondria) also need TH. TH ensures they receive enough glucose to produce energy. It also regulates the generation of new mitochondria. Without enough TH cells can’t produce new power factories to replace old ones as they die off. That’s on top of not getting enough fuel to produce energy!

This is why low TH levels can affect every major system and organ in your body. Blood circulation and pressure. Heart health. Body temperature. Mood and neurological function. Skin health and so on. They all rely on having healthy, functioning cells. But without correct cellular metabolism happening, they can’t be healthy. And that has disastrous consequences for your health!

Hypothyroidism – Low Thyroid Hormone Disorder

Serious thyroid deficiency disease, or hypothyroidism, affects around 2 to 3% of Americans. A further 10 – 15% have some form of subclinical hypothyroid disorder. Some experts believe the true figure is more like 80 – 90%! This makes hypothyroidism the most common of all thyroid conditions in humans.

Common Thyroid Syndrome Symptoms

Hypothyroidism causes symptoms that range from being almost undetectable to life threatening. It depends on the stage the disease is at. There is a list of the most common problems due to thyroid malfunction here.

Causes Of Thyroid Dysfunction

Many things can cause thyroid dysfunction. Iodine deficiency remains the leading cause of hypothyroidism in developing countries. In developed countries it’s Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. Other causes include thyroid tumors as well as pituitary and hypothalamus disorders. Radioactive treatment and some types of drugs are other common causes. Pregnancy is another. Menopausal women are also far more likely to develop this disorder than men.

Disclaimer: Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your treating doctor. The Thyroid Guide does not dispense medical advice, prescribe, or diagnose illness. The views and nutritional advice expressed by The Thyroid Guide are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.

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Are Thyroid Problems Common?

Thyroid function problems are relatively common. Thyroid hormone disease results from overactive or underactive thyroid function. Of these two, the underactive thyroid function disorder hypothyroidism is far more common. Around 2 – 3% of people in the US have diagnosed severe hypothyroidism. A further 10 – 15% have subclinical forms of the disease. Experts though believe that true thyroid system dysfunction figures are much higher. Some believe it could be as high as 80 – 90% of the population!

Common Thyroid Disorders And Diseases

Diseases related to thyroid disorders include Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. This is an autoimmune disease. It is the most widespread thyroid disorder in developed countries. It causes hypothyroidism. Other thyroid diseases and disorders include Graves Disease, the leading cause of hyperthyroidism. Thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer, goiter and thyroiditis are other diseases of this gland.

Thyroid Functions And Problems

The thyroid produces 2 hormones that regulate metabolism. The hormones are triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Problems in thyroid hormone production affect the entire body. Thyroid hormone controls metabolic function and energy production, right down to cellular level. When cells can’t get enough raw materials to produce energy, they can’t function correctly. This leads to problems with blood circulation. Also heart function, mood, body temperature and more.

Thyroid Disease Symptoms And Treatment

Thyroid symptoms causes a range of associated health disorders. Poor blood circulation slows down distribution of nutrients and oxygen to cells. This exacerbates the problems caused by lack of thyroid hormones. It also slows down removal of toxins from cells, causing toxic build up. This in turn sets off inflammation. A slow down in cellular metabolism causes lack of energy and sluggishness. It also contributes to a drop in basal temperature. This is the underlying mechanism for the characteristic hypothyroiditic low body temperature.

Thyroid hormones are involved in the production of important mood regulating neurotransmitters. Low levels of TH cause imbalances in these neurotransmitters. This affects mood. And contributes to the depression that so often comes with hypothyroidism. Which in turn contributes to stress and anxiety. And to the cascade of health problems that come with those.

Can Thyroid Disorders Be Treated Successfully?

Treatment for underactive thyroid disorders is with thyroid hormone replacement drugs. When taken according to instructions, most patients live normal, healthy lives.

Nonthyroidal Illness Syndrome (NTI)

Sometimes patients without thyroid-based illness will return abnormal results in thyroid function tests. This is Euthyroid sick syndrome or an NTI. Most patient recover full thyroid function once the NTI has passed.

Thyroid Symptoms Treatment

If you have thyroid issue symptoms, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even though many symptoms are common to a range of other health conditions, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Most countries have official organizations that provide information and advice about thyroid conditions. There are also charities like Thyroid UK that offer support for people that have thyroid and similar disorders.